Thursday, October 12, 2017

Nota Bene: Dedication of Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center

Last Saturday, during Homecoming and Family Weekend, a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting was held to celebrate Virginia Wesleyan University’s new Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center. Our program, led by Coaches Mat and Krista Littleton, now has a home of its own—a state-of-the-art facility made possible by generous gift support.

Located at the northeast corner of campus near the intersection of Wesleyan Drive and Baker Road, the new 400-meter track and field center is a significant addition to our athletic facilities. The eight-lane track, in accordance with NCAA regulations, will include a rubber athletic surface. The facility will also feature discus and hammer throw, high jump, long jump/triple jump, pole vault, shot put, and steeplechase.

Two primary donors made this facility possible. One prefers to remain anonymous, and the second was able to join us for Saturday’s ceremony—Virginia Wesleyan Trustee and alumnus of the Class of 1970, Bill S. Shelhorse. Together with his company, Chesapeake Bay Contractors, Bill provided substantial financial and in-kind support for the construction and soon-to-be-completed track and field named in memory of his late sister, Betty.

Betty was a junior in college when Bill was born, and served as a strong figure in his life. She was a lifelong educator who nurtured the growth and development of many other young people in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, where she taught English and physical education for nearly a quarter-century before retiring.

When we asked Bill if he wished to have this new center named for him, he humbly declined in favor of honoring his beloved sister. In her memory and with deep gratitude to Bill and his firm, we proudly dedicated the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center. We were also pleased and proud to announce during the ceremony that the road leading to this new facility will be named Shelhorse Lane.

Thank you to the enthusiastic crowd of Trustees—including Bill Shelhorse, his wife Sally, and his brother John—alumni, parents, student-athletes and friends who joined us for the dedication. The Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center demonstrates again the importance of philanthropy. Thank you to all who contribute to the support and success of Virginia Wesleyan University.

Please enjoy photos from the dedication ceremony on the Virginia Wesleyan
Flickr page.